We conducted a poll on LinkedIn to know how busy professionals prioritise their sleep on weekdays, and our options were;
a) 10:00 pm – 5:00 am
b) 11:00 pm – 6:00/7:30 am
c) Night owl – day sleeper
d) Ensure 5 hours of sleep
Here are the results of our poll,
- 61% said they slept between 11:00 pm and 6–7 am
- 22% said they ensured 5 hours of sleep irrespective of what time they went to bed and woke up,
- 11% said they went to bed by 10 pm and were up by 5 am and
- 6% said they were night owls.
Let’s decode what every sleep pattern means and how it affects our health.
Sleep quality is essential for overall health, well-being, and productivity. The timing of your bedtime on weekdays can impact the quality of your work performance during the day.
1.10 pm to 5 am:
The age-old saying holds some truth. Going to bed earlier (before 10:00 pm) allows you to align with natural circadian rhythms. This regimen aligns with the body’s natural circadian rhythm, promoting better sleep quality and overall well-being. Adequate sleep duration supports cognitive function, emotional stability, and immune system function. However, it’s vital to ensure that the total sleep time meets individual needs, typically around 7-9 hours for most adults.
2.11:00 pm – 6:00/7:30 am:
This pattern allows for a recommended 7-9 hours of sleep, which supports cognitive performance, mood stability, and immune system strength. Consistency is vital, as it aids the body in synchronising with its natural circadian rhythm. However, individual variations exist; some might thrive with this schedule, while others could experience sleep difficulties. Adequate exposure to natural light during the day reinforces the body’s internal clock. Deviating from this schedule regularly disrupt sleep quality, potentially leading to fatigue, cognitive impairment, and compromised overall health.
3. Night owl – day sleeper:
Adopting a night owl sleep pattern, staying up late and waking up later can disrupt circadian rhythms, impacting sleep quality and duration. This misalignment may lead to mood disorders, fatigue, and cognitive deficits due to inadequate rest. Additionally, challenges in syncing with societal schedules and reduced exposure to natural light affect overall well-being. Balancing personal preferences with health considerations becomes essential.
4. Ensure 5 hours of sleep :
Consistently obtaining only 5 hours, regardless of bedtime, significantly compromises health. Insufficient sleep undermines cognitive function, impairs memory, and decreases alertness. It heightens the risk of chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues. The body’s immune system weakens, making one more susceptible to illnesses. Emotional well-being is also at stake, with mood disorders becoming more prevalent. Over time, this sleep deprivation accumulates, leading to long-term health challenges. Prioritising sufficient and consistent sleep duration, ideally 7-9 hours, is crucial for maintaining physical and mental well-being and improving overall quality of life.
Professionals lead a busy life, and pressurising commitments and deadlines make it hard to clock in the required amount of sleep. But, it is crucial to prioritise your sleep to ensure good health, which also positively affects the quality of your work and mood. If you are restless and find it difficult to fall asleep, we recommend you read our guide to choosing a perfect mattress.
Maintain a regular bedtime routine, aiming for over 6 hours of sleep while embracing the timeless advice of “Early to bed and early to rise.” This age-old mantra holds the key to unveiling your finest self each morning.